The School of Chemistry is a department of the Faculty of Science and one of the largest and oldest in Australia with a distinguished history in teaching and research.

The first lectures in chemistry in The University of Melbourne were given in 1856, only three years after the University was founded. Further information about our history is available. Since then the School has grown with over 3000 undergraduates enrolled in Chemistry subjects and more than 120 research higher degree students. The School is home to 26 continuing teaching & research staff and over 40 research only and 20 professional staff.

The School has an excellent international reputation in research and success in external research funding. There is an ongoing program to keep research facilities at world standard, which has involved progressive upgrading of the School's laboratories and instrumentation and recruitment of academics with a strong research profile.

The School of Chemistry is a key participant in Bio21, a major world-class biotechnology initiative in Victoria. New purpose-built research laboratories are located in the Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science & Biotechnology building and the Chemistry building which has undergone major refurbishments. These exciting developments provide excellent facilities for researchers in a dynamic interdisciplinary environment.

We invite you to browse our website and welcome inquiries from students interested in pursuing studies in our undergraduate and postgraduate programs.